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Post by DataNinja on Apr 3, 2018 15:38:29 GMT
"I always knew that I would have to face death one day," she says, addressing Iwakashi, "That is something that I accepted. It is a part of life... but now, with the power of gods, that may be averted. We shall have to see."
She turns next to Lootbox. "My intent was to uplift just the humans, for they have great strength, but conflicting directions. I learned while living amongst them that when unified they can do truly great, and terrifying, things. They are spread throughout the land, too, so I am certain that they will be the rise or fall of an empire." She nods. "But any others that wish to be enlightened may join. But I will not force you."
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Post by Bowyer on Apr 4, 2018 2:44:43 GMT
Perhaps Crimson was right in her assessment of humans but Iwakashi couldn't quite stomach it. Yes the humans were burdensome at times but they had some merits. Their diversity was perhaps their biggest strength, otherwise some warlord would have tried to wipe them out for the minorities' treachery long ago. And who's to say that her ambitions would stop at humans? This discord could ruin them before they even started!
"The Dreadmarsh seems to be a wonderfully appropriate place for this accord then. If you will not bend you'll end up as broken as this castle and our fruit will be as rotten as this land." Iwakashi then rattles towards the door, brushing past Lootbox. "Perhaps you've missed something in your surveying Lootbox." A crack sounds as his shoulder clips the door causing small flakes to tumble from the exit.
He'd let the politicians broker some deal. They shouldn't need him and if they did...they were all doomed anyway. His actual search of the grounds yield nothing more than the mimic's had. The walls were decrepit and wouldn't stand a single wave of attackers. They needed men or Pokemon to repair them yet both would be in short supply here. And finding workers, they would need to feed them...the logistics were a nightmare.
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Post by masterblade007 on Apr 4, 2018 13:13:24 GMT
Oh look! An escape from this awkward conversation! "Wait up for me! I wouldn't mind a second look either." Lootbox was quick to follow behind Iwakashi's lead, intent on leaving the two monarchs to decide among themselves how to get along. Or kill each other; assumptions were not about to be made as to who would do what.
Although the mimic would bet money on Rion coming out on top if someone were to open a pool.
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Post by Nocturne on Apr 4, 2018 15:58:25 GMT
Rion raised an eyebrow. Crimson didn't seem that well adjusted to death when she talked about the lesson it taught her. I suppose no one can truly accept death either way, this simply appears in different forms, different regrets... Regardless, I need a different approach, Rion thought.
Then Iwakashi made a rather harsh statement before leaving. Within the harshness laid truth however. Lootbox left too, less dramatically, but leaving all the same.
Left alone with Crimson, Rion sighed. "I wish to understand you. I believe that once we understand each other, a deal can be made. There is no being that cannot be reasoned with, provided the conditions are right."
Rion looked Crimson in the eyes as she spoke further. "When I was slain, I was forty years old. I have lived for a long time, long enough to see children of my own become adults. These children were taken from me, I do not know if they yet live, or have joined their father in eternal rest. I have not only lived among humans, but I have loved them, hated them, and most of all, controlled them. Your earlier comment about having your will be done rings true and yet is false. There is no pleasure to be found in ordering your arm to bring food to your lips. When you order another person to do it instead however, you feel powerful. That is the difference between ordering a part of you, something that cannot refuse, and an individual, which has choice. I don't know what you have experienced, but going from what you have said, your hive culture sounds more like the former than the latter. Therefore I now speak not to Crimson, Queen of the Hive, but to Crimson, Queen of Men."
The would-be Grand Overlord paused to collect her thoughts, then she continued. "As I mentioned, I ruled from the shadows. Despite having been a Duchess, I never truly owned a kingdom of my own, because my rule had no boundaries, my subjects made their home in various kingdoms, occupied positions both lowly and great, always ready to do my bidding. In order to achieve this, I learnt how to speak to the hearts of men, how to manipulate their minds and with this ability, created a web of intrigue that spanned Ransei. I incited rebellion, toppled a monarchy and in the end, killed a god, barely having to lift a finger. You are correct when you say that humans have great strength when united. The force of their personalities, their interests, their motivations... it is frightening, but I will never bow to this force, nor will I change, or remove it. Instead, I make it bow to me. To me, that is what it means to rule mankind. I feel that if you have truly been a queen of men, you can understand this. Being a hive queen may have given you a different perspective, but that is the perspective of a different species. Take away humanity's ability to choose, and you have essentially taken away their humanity. They might still be people, but they wouldn't be human in anything but shape. Is that better? From the perspective of a hive queen perhaps, but from what I can see it is simply different. That said, I know little about hive minds. If you don't mind, please enlighten me on what being part of a hive is like."
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 4, 2018 17:31:25 GMT
"When you leave choice," Crimson says, "That leaves the chance to refuse. To subvert. The constant worry that your will shall not be executed the way you desire. A hive... it has none of that. All are as a part of you, and you have to but desire something, and it will be done. There is no squabbling over who does what task, no complaining. All are content with their station, for it is where their talents are most needed. There is no room for misinterpretation, for all know exactly what is meant. That is power, being the will behind one who is many, many who are one." She clacks at Rion. "You only know yourself. If you knew the feeling of knowing that the Hive brought... you would speak differently. Right now, away, I feel empty. I am just one. This is the only feeling that you know, you just do not know it."
"And you are wrong," she says. "Humans are strong in many ways, but their divisiveness brings them down. They require unity to bring out their true potential. And the hive brings true unity. You may be content ruling from the shadows, but I am not. A queen does not hide. Only those without the strength to truly rule do so."
"I will show you," she says, simply. "There is room enough for both of us, after all, at least for now. You certainly cannot lay claim to the region overnight. You do things your way, and I'll do them mine. You will see then, the strength of the hive." While not the ideal solution, it is probably best not to risk dying again at this point.
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Post by Bowyer on Apr 5, 2018 1:36:04 GMT
Iwakashi hadn't expected the company of the mimic. Perhaps the gambler knew when to cut his losses. Or he was making another gamble entirely. He allows Lootbox to tag along, further exploring the dilapidated walls and outbuildings. "I would have thought a king of thieves would love to be in on a power struggle like that. If only for a way to ferret out a deal."
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Post by masterblade007 on Apr 5, 2018 14:49:29 GMT
Lootbox shrugged. "There's two classes of objects in this world. Things that are mine, and things other people are 'borrowing' until I decide otherwise. No one has objected to my little corner of the world; that's all I need for now. Anything else can be negotiated (or otherwise) when it comes up." And until the point in time where something comes up, this arrangement was rather ideal. Even moreso if two queens are far too focused on each other to notice things vanishing from their shared table.
"Besides, the 'King' bit of my title's more a measure of skill than a job position." The mimic commented, melting the mock crown and regal robes back to his usual looks. "I'm not so interested in controlling the world as I am collecting its shiny bits. How are you to enjoy the benefits of an overlord if you're too busy administrating everything? More a chore really."
'The meek shall inherit the earth, but not its mineral rights.' Lord Getty of Valora once said that, and he was correct. Power is nothing in the face of wealth. It didn't matter who controlled what so long as his cut was paid in the end.
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Post by Nocturne on Apr 6, 2018 17:37:46 GMT
Narrowing her eyes a little at being called 'weak', Rion decided to ignore the slight. It wouldn't do to start a fight, when that could possibly ruin any chance of victory in the future. There was surely a good reason she was placed together with Crimson after all. "As I said before, there are many kinds of Queens, and even the strength to rule can appear in multiple forms."
Rion raised her hands to her shoulders in the universal gesture of a shrug, sighing as she did. "As you wish." She turned away from Crimson and decided to see the castle for herself, finding Lootbox and Iwakashi conversing. "I'm sad to say that we did not settle on an agreement. However, we will not fight each other either, for the foreseeable future at least."
Joining the two men in exploring the castle, Rion confirmed what Lootbox had said earlier. As she floated beside Iwakashi and Lootbox, Rion was a little quiet as she thought on what to do next. This quietness didn't lessen the regal presence she exuded.
I had hoped this conquest of mine could be smooth sailing, but it seems that is now impossible. My first steps... I suppose the first big one is information gathering. I would not want to go out into the world unprotected however. I need to acquire a Vanguard once more. Until then, joining forces with these fellow conquerors may give me the cover I need.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Apr 7, 2018 12:19:22 GMT
Dreadmarsh's castle, who's name had long since faded from history, was a heavy stone foundation set atop what must have been one of the region's largest islands. The sub-levels were flooded, likely by the entry of some Pokemon or other at one point, the main gate had clearly been blown inward in a siege, revealing a haphazard path winding out into the fog. The walls ringing the castle itself show similar signs of damage, and the upper levels are inaccessible. A mass of stone and wood block attempts at exploring the upper levels of their new stronghold.
A singular room appears to have been either shielded from the damage, or reinstated to it's former glory. Beds, dried wood stacked by the hearth, and small satchels of food. It isn't enough to last more than three days, but it seems in this place you were offered some small kindness. In touring the grounds, the cries of Pokemon in the weed and wet beyond draw the ear to opportunity.
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Post by Bowyer on Apr 8, 2018 4:10:15 GMT
The thief's words ring true and he nods along. Iwakashi thought in a similar manner, the world was his...well theirs. It was only a matter of time before they could seize it. "Title's can be a burden. It's why I'd rather be out here doing something useful than hammer out details of the aftermath. I am a fighter not an administrator."
He stays quiet for a moment as mimic and earthenborn survey the decay of their castle. The satchels of food were a welcome sight, little as it was. Eventually Rion joined them, with Crimson either lagging or perhaps dead. Iwiakashi thought it was the former, but it seemed to be handled either way. The errant cries from beyond the walls lend themselves to their next course of action, "It sounds like some beasts call this swamp home. Perhaps they could be conscripted to our cause."
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 8, 2018 17:56:33 GMT
Left alone, Crimson has some time to think, and reflect. And dwell on the emptiness that she feels, separated from her hive. After a while of none of the others returning, she worries a little bit, and wonders if they're either planning something, or if something got to them. With more the former in mind, she wanders out in the direction that the others took, hoping to stumble upon them.
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Post by masterblade007 on Apr 9, 2018 0:09:26 GMT
Lootbox stared at the mass of stone and wood blocking the upper levels. It would make logical sense, given the potential for flooding, that any treasures would be kept in the keep's upper chambers. This was not a roadblock so much as it was a vault door. What mysteries did it hold? Well, they wouldn't remain as mysteries for long. There isn't a vault in the world safe from the King of Thieves.
That being said, he needed SOME form of tools to break open this door, to which he was rather shorthanded. Until Iwakashi's comment reached the mimic's ears. "Oh, locals at the gate? It seems this castle has been ruined by beasts renting its rooms with no charge (much to its detriment). We ought to collect overdue dues and put them to work."
The mimic would make his way towards Blackmarsh Castle's exit, smile grinning with all the potential these creatures might hold. Already a plan was forming; this could work swimmingly.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Apr 11, 2018 15:18:17 GMT
The muddied roads wind through the wet murk and thick, choking plantlife. The odd patch of sediment that has piled high enough to breach the surface usually houses a small stand of softwood trees, birch being the most common. Small insects flit about, mosquito being the most common. When you begin to near the source of the immediate noise, an embankment on the side of the trail dipping sharply into the water, the sounds of the marshlife suddenly hush to nothing.
Perceptions please.
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 12, 2018 2:00:25 GMT
Having at last found the others, and after agreeing to scope out the surroundings, Crimson finds herself in disgust of what surrounds her. The surface around her home was lovely... this is just awful. It's all murky and mucky, and there's very little solid ground. It's like the surface is falling apart much the same as the castle that they'd just left. Not at all to her tastes. Regardless, she casts an eye out for anything of interest.
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Post by Robot on Apr 12, 2018 11:59:07 GMT
Rion, despite her place in the aristocracy, notices bands of black against all the brown and green in the murk. The angle of the striping, horizontal against all this vertical was really what made it stand out to her, but the creature is surprisingly well hidden. It appeared to be some form of small, brown reptile, quadrupedal with dark eyes that shine with a feral intelligence. Lillypads are scattered sporadically through this patch of muck, and the creature perches on one, apparently content to just avoid the water.
Eddies indicate movement beneath the surface of the water, and in the reeds some distance from the trail, a bright green and red dragonfly chews lazily on a cat tail.
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Post by Nocturne on Apr 12, 2018 13:37:45 GMT
Rion surveyed the castle's surroundings. It truly was a wet wasteland... but perhaps, within the waste, something valuable could be found. Such as that small reptile. Her lips curled slightly. She liked the feral intelligence in its eyes.
"I see two possible allies, a small brown reptile with black stripes and a dragonfly. There is movement beneath the surface too." Rion subtly gestured towards the targets she mentioned.
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Post by masterblade007 on Apr 12, 2018 14:14:39 GMT
Well at least there was SOME wood to work with! Lootbox looked over the environment around their new castle, trying to size up how big a job renovations would be. Birch is a bit of a blessing, being rather watertight. Getting enough of it would make for a good foundation for houses elevated above the waterline. A kingdom needs more than a castle after all.
No luck finding any creatures though, at least until Rion pointed them out. The mimic moved to investigate, a tone of frustration on his voice. "Small? Wings? That's not very helpful; how can we get any work done with something so..."
And then he paused, eyes locking onto the strange crocodile creature. Was that... a thief's mask? Bandit markings on a lizard!? Oh goodness how ADORABLE! It's like a tiny little pickpocket! Lootbox crouched down to get a better look, eyes wide in excitement; this had to be the first good thing to come out of such a horrible swamp. Besides a handful of partners in crime and the not-being-dead thing.
"Hello there little fellow! How would you like to work for the King of Thieves?" Lootbox asked the lizard, his head slowly reshaping to match its appearance. "You can be my very first post-godhood minion! What an honor that would be for you!"
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Post by DataNinja on Apr 12, 2018 18:47:38 GMT
Still chittering disdainfully at the sloppy conditions - she's not meant to live in the water, even half-water like this - Crimson looks around to where Rion had pointed out some creatures. The insect intrigues her, there is a kinship there, even if it is mostly superficial. She begins to move closer to the gossamer-winged insect, trying to be careful not to startle it. She knows that some can be skittish beings.
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Post by Bowyer on Apr 13, 2018 3:24:21 GMT
Iwakashi doesn't remark on Crimson joining them, though he is grateful that things hadn't escalated. They weren't divided just yet; a good omen. The swamps however were less kind. His bulk sank him into the ground with every step. It was hardly a wonder that Rion spotted something before the rest of them. Iwakashi was busy trying not to founder in the morass.
As the two others split off in pursuit of new servants, Iwakashi shared some words with Rion, "Would you care to keep an eye on Lootbox? Better to have someone guarding their backs since they don't seem to be doing it themselves. Besides I am...less suited if whatever is in that pool sees him as a threat." He stands for a moment, waiting to see if the imp has any objections to the plan before following after Crimson or Lootbox as Rion preferred. Keeping well back but still within reach if things began to sour.
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Post by Robot on Apr 13, 2018 11:12:11 GMT
The tiny gator puffs up, startled that anyone might have seen through it's impressive natural camouflage. With it's impressive jaws hanging open slightly, it regards the arrival of a peer with sudden suspicion when a biped had towered over it not a moment before. Lootbox notices a slight movement of it's hind legs upon it's lily pad perch. The pad itself starts to languidly drift out into the pond of it's own accord, the reptile beginning to calm when it's gotten even a little space again.
Pokedu or Gen Edu please. Charm would also be appropriate here, paired with the others.
The dragonfly regards Crimson with a tilt of its head. Even at rest the insect is surprisingly twitchy. Wings fluttering periodically, always glancing around, it stills as she approaches and fixates her with full attention. The muck clings to her robes here, and the wet soaks into the heavy fabric, but thankfully the water is shallow enough to support an approach.
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